Name: Gao Qing Wen
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Occupation: Quite unsuccessful businessman (Trade, Marketing) *Was a farmer in Nanking when he was little.
Appearance: Tall and has a western look., Always wears suits.
Location: Currently residing in Hong Kong.
Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Good with words, and is able to convince a lot of people. He is working hard to achieve great success within his work. He is quite arrogant when it comes to his pride.
Family: Mother, Father, Sister(Gao Xiaolian)
Education: Had basic education from Nanking, and a special teacher, named Ishida Sumi (learned english from her)
Languages you speak: English, Chinese, Little bit of Japanes
January 26th 1938
I have received a reply letter from Ishida Sumi, my old teacher back in the Nanjing days. She taught me the valuable language of English. I say she is the person who got me to be a businessman. Although I am not successful, I believe that my movement to Hong Kong will provide me with a better future within my job. Anyways, enough with the tangent. Sensei Sumi was a role model to me back in those days. Not only did she teach me the language of English, but she taught me the aspects of life.
Just a few weeks ago, I sent a letter to Sensei Sumi regarding the incident in Nanjing. I was terrified when I heard of the incident. It was basically an incident where the Japanese invaded my hometown of Nanking and caused major destruction within that area. Numerous things came into my mind including my older sister Gao Xiaoling and my two nieces. I also sent a letter to them, but no reply has returned yet. I wonder what has happened to them. I am very worried that they might have been victims of the incident...
I told Sensei Sumi about the incident and the war in general. I felt terrorized that her country and my country were at war. I felt a bit angered at first, but I came to realize Sensei Sumi has nothing to do with the war. I told her how I am saddened with the doings of the Japanese. I also told her about my personal dilemmas, which is the issue with my family back in Nanjing. Furthermore, I asked her about her personal feelings about the war, and how she thought about the attacks. I hoped that she would reply a bit to my favor, and that she would disapprove of the war. I supposed this because she is the one who has shaped my thoughts of life and my views of the world. As a result, I thought that she would have a similar thought as me.
I received a reply yesterday from Sensei Sumi, and it was a fairly interesting letter to read! She made me feel better by saying how my family will be alright. She told me how the Japanese newspapers said that the incident of Nanjing was not that bad and the number of deaths was exaggerated. This made me feel a little bit better, but I did not really believe in the Japanese lies. I had a idea that the Japanese newspapers were all false information being fed to the Japanese people. They were lying to the Japanese citizens of their terrible doings. Sensei Sumi also said that she did not approve of the war between China and Japan at all, and that it just ruined the relationships between the two countries. She believed that there was no real reason for the war to happen. Personally, this relieved me greatly as I strongly agreed from her. It was nice to get to have this talk with her through letters.
Honestly, I am beginning to become afraid. I have felt the same way last year when this U.S. gunboat names Panay was sunk in the Yangtze River. I wondered why the Japanese would do such thing. I began to fear something might happen that would involve the almighty United States. But I had faith in my nation and its strength. I'm sure China would not let such thing happen that would put its citizens in harm's way.
December 8th, 1941
Today was a day of destruction and nightmares. Around 8:00AM, I heard screams and things blowing up everywhere outside my house. There were bombs bgoing off and numerous gunfire from the distance. Apparently, I realized that the British, Canadian, Indian combined forces were defending against a Japanese attack when I read the recent newspapers flying around. I was quite surprised, but not to the extent of fainting. As a matter of fact, the Japanese act of attacking us was not surprising at all. I just hoped that it would not become the same event that happened in my hometown.
I went into some more research and noticed how the Japanese Imperial Army were wrecking through the world. I have been gaining interest of this Japanese invasion thing now after seeing what has happened today. I thought it was only where I lived at first, but then realized how it was all over the Asian areas including the Indochina, Singapore, East Indies, and the Philippine islands. Honestly, I was becoming afraid of the Japanese. They have grown so much and I really do not understand their greed. Maybe it is because their land is very small. I find it lucky to be a Chinese with all the wealth and land we have! Despite that, I was really starting to believe the Japanese had what it takes to succeed in their plan of world invasion. All I could think about was my family and friends. Would they be alright in this situation with the invasion of the Japanese?
About two weeks ago, I met one Canadian soldier; no, more like a boy in this restaurant I usually go to. His name was Jonathon Kingsley. I got to have an interesting conversation with him, as he was from a different background than I was. Obviously, he was from Canada and he told me he came to fight the Japanese. I felt somewhat grateful for the young fella, as he was fighting for me and my family against the Japanese. Apparently, he just came to Hong Kong the day before and asked me drones of questions. I was sort of annoyed with all the questions, but I did not refuse to answer them. After all, he is doing me and my country and my family a great favor.
It seemed that he did not live far away from where I lived. Furthermore, he did not seem to have an idea about the tension between us and the Japanese. I understood this because not only was he young, but he did not have any experience at all with the reality of the world. So I told him, how the Japanese were tearing through my home town and all. Surprisingly, he did not seem to have any idea about the incident. I was quite surprised, considering the event was at a very large scale. I hoped to meet him future days and we gave our farewells later on. But considering what has happened today, i wonder if Jonathon survived the battle...
June 3rd, 1943
A few days ago, I came upon this interesting, or a hateful person. I was on my way small store with a sword I got from a friend a long time ago. I especially caressed this sword because it had a great meaning to me. It signified my friendship between Xiao Wang and me. He was a great friend who lost his life in Nanking. When I heard of his death, I was honestly devastated. From then, I have decided that I should keep this sword in my possession forever. While on my way, this Japanese soldier comes up and speaks to me in Chinese. I was quite startled and surprised when he came up to me and spoke Chinese. He stated that he wanted to buy my sword.
Frankly, times have changed now. I knew that I should be keeping this important and significant sword from Xiao Wang to myself. However, my business was not going well nor was my current status great. I thought for a long time and replied back in Chinese. I decided to sell the sword. Another reason why I agreed to sell this significant sword is to understand the Japanese perspectives of this war. I was always interested in the global view of events. I have been hearing words from the perspectives of Canada, China, and Britain until now, and I wanted to hear from the Japanese.
It is true that I do and have disliked the Japanese ever since the event of Nanking back in 1938. Ever since, the people of Japanese have been my hateful enemies as they did the despicable. Furthermore, the Japanese have been successful in running over the regions in the Pacific. I heard the even the United States entered the war because of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese really have grown strong, considering they have the guts to attack America... But recently I heard that the Japanese were beginning to weaken as the Allied forces are becoming successful in more and more battles. A source told me about this naval battle Midway and the event in Guadalcanal. The problem is there is no reliable source to read from since the Japanese do not allow any news that would weaken themselves to their colonies.
Back to the story with the Japanese soldier, he stated that he wanted to buy it, and considering my condition, I had to sell it. I needed the money and with the war in its highest point, I had to prepare for it. He continued our conversation and stated how the Japanese were being very successful in it imperialism. I was quite angry when I heard this statement for two reasons. One, he had no right to say that even if he was Japanese. After all, he is a part that destroyed my hometown. Two, I knew that the Japanese would not succeed in the ending. I had faith within the Allied Forced and if one looks at the events right now, the Japanese are losing the war.
August 16th, 1945
Yesterday was a major breakthrough within Hong Kong and for the entire world. Especially for Hong Kong, we were freed from Japanese rule. Furthermore, Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces, thus bringing an end to the war in the Pacific region. I was very happy. The entire region was in celebration. Despite everyone's homes were wrecked and the standards were not that high, we were just happy that we earned freedom.
Coincidentally, I received a letter from my little sister Gao Xiaolian today. I was very relieved to know how she was alive and did not get hurt from all the events. It has been just so long since I had contact with her. She told me how she was afraid and scared on the inside. I wondered if she knew about the recent victories from the Allied Forces. I hope she got the news that the Japanese surrendered today. Oh, how that would be amazing.
Frankly, I knew that the Japanese would surrender after I heard about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I was shocked how such a small bomb can cause massive destruction and casualties. I felt the force of the Americans. I wondered what would happen if that dropped on Hong Kong or Nanking. What would happen to my family or even myself? Furthermore, I read about the news that the Soviet will be entering the war. Maybe that is why Japan surrendered. That is what the explanation people here are saying, that the Soviet Union is much of a big force to go against Japan. I was quite surprised at the force of the Soviet Unions. They must be really strong if Japan got scared of them. I guess nobody can really win once the superpowers join up.
Moreover, I heard my friends talk about the war crimes the Japanese have done. I heard about what they did to the Koreans up North. When I heard about them, I was truly disgusted. I started to hate the Japanese more because of their violent doings. I wonder if Japan is going to move on without having that checked on. Last time I heard, Germany was treated like trash after they lost in World War I. I wonder if the same will happen to the Japanese in this war since they got defeated. Anyways, I hope my future looks better as my hometown and current town are all free from colonization. I guess there is still hope within the world!
Name: Gao Qing Wen
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Occupation: Quite unsuccessful businessman (Trade, Marketing) *Was a farmer in Nanking when he was little.
Appearance: Tall and has a western look., Always wears suits.
Location: Currently residing in Hong Kong.
- Personality/Quirks/Unique Personality Traits: Good with words, and is able to convince a lot of people. He is working hard to achieve great success within his work. He is quite arrogant when it comes to his pride.
Family: Mother, Father, Sister(Gao Xiaolian)Education: Had basic education from Nanking, and a special teacher, named Ishida Sumi (learned english from her)
Languages you speak: English, Chinese, Little bit of Japanes
January 26th 1938
I have received a reply letter from Ishida Sumi, my old teacher back in the Nanjing days. She taught me the valuable language of English. I say she is the person who got me to be a businessman. Although I am not successful, I believe that my movement to Hong Kong will provide me with a better future within my job. Anyways, enough with the tangent. Sensei Sumi was a role model to me back in those days. Not only did she teach me the language of English, but she taught me the aspects of life.
Just a few weeks ago, I sent a letter to Sensei Sumi regarding the incident in Nanjing. I was terrified when I heard of the incident. It was basically an incident where the Japanese invaded my hometown of Nanking and caused major destruction within that area. Numerous things came into my mind including my older sister Gao Xiaoling and my two nieces. I also sent a letter to them, but no reply has returned yet. I wonder what has happened to them. I am very worried that they might have been victims of the incident...
I told Sensei Sumi about the incident and the war in general. I felt terrorized that her country and my country were at war. I felt a bit angered at first, but I came to realize Sensei Sumi has nothing to do with the war. I told her how I am saddened with the doings of the Japanese. I also told her about my personal dilemmas, which is the issue with my family back in Nanjing. Furthermore, I asked her about her personal feelings about the war, and how she thought about the attacks. I hoped that she would reply a bit to my favor, and that she would disapprove of the war. I supposed this because she is the one who has shaped my thoughts of life and my views of the world. As a result, I thought that she would have a similar thought as me.
I received a reply yesterday from Sensei Sumi, and it was a fairly interesting letter to read! She made me feel better by saying how my family will be alright. She told me how the Japanese newspapers said that the incident of Nanjing was not that bad and the number of deaths was exaggerated. This made me feel a little bit better, but I did not really believe in the Japanese lies. I had a idea that the Japanese newspapers were all false information being fed to the Japanese people. They were lying to the Japanese citizens of their terrible doings. Sensei Sumi also said that she did not approve of the war between China and Japan at all, and that it just ruined the relationships between the two countries. She believed that there was no real reason for the war to happen. Personally, this relieved me greatly as I strongly agreed from her. It was nice to get to have this talk with her through letters.
Honestly, I am beginning to become afraid. I have felt the same way last year when this U.S. gunboat names Panay was sunk in the Yangtze River. I wondered why the Japanese would do such thing. I began to fear something might happen that would involve the almighty United States. But I had faith in my nation and its strength. I'm sure China would not let such thing happen that would put its citizens in harm's way.
December 8th, 1941
Today was a day of destruction and nightmares. Around 8:00AM, I heard screams and things blowing up everywhere outside my house. There were bombs bgoing off and numerous gunfire from the distance. Apparently, I realized that the British, Canadian, Indian combined forces were defending against a Japanese attack when I read the recent newspapers flying around. I was quite surprised, but not to the extent of fainting. As a matter of fact, the Japanese act of attacking us was not surprising at all. I just hoped that it would not become the same event that happened in my hometown.
I went into some more research and noticed how the Japanese Imperial Army were wrecking through the world. I have been gaining interest of this Japanese invasion thing now after seeing what has happened today. I thought it was only where I lived at first, but then realized how it was all over the Asian areas including the Indochina, Singapore, East Indies, and the Philippine islands. Honestly, I was becoming afraid of the Japanese. They have grown so much and I really do not understand their greed. Maybe it is because their land is very small. I find it lucky to be a Chinese with all the wealth and land we have! Despite that, I was really starting to believe the Japanese had what it takes to succeed in their plan of world invasion. All I could think about was my family and friends. Would they be alright in this situation with the invasion of the Japanese?
About two weeks ago, I met one Canadian soldier; no, more like a boy in this restaurant I usually go to. His name was Jonathon Kingsley. I got to have an interesting conversation with him, as he was from a different background than I was. Obviously, he was from Canada and he told me he came to fight the Japanese. I felt somewhat grateful for the young fella, as he was fighting for me and my family against the Japanese. Apparently, he just came to Hong Kong the day before and asked me drones of questions. I was sort of annoyed with all the questions, but I did not refuse to answer them. After all, he is doing me and my country and my family a great favor.
It seemed that he did not live far away from where I lived. Furthermore, he did not seem to have an idea about the tension between us and the Japanese. I understood this because not only was he young, but he did not have any experience at all with the reality of the world. So I told him, how the Japanese were tearing through my home town and all. Surprisingly, he did not seem to have any idea about the incident. I was quite surprised, considering the event was at a very large scale. I hoped to meet him future days and we gave our farewells later on. But considering what has happened today, i wonder if Jonathon survived the battle...
June 3rd, 1943
A few days ago, I came upon this interesting, or a hateful person. I was on my way small store with a sword I got from a friend a long time ago. I especially caressed this sword because it had a great meaning to me. It signified my friendship between Xiao Wang and me. He was a great friend who lost his life in Nanking. When I heard of his death, I was honestly devastated. From then, I have decided that I should keep this sword in my possession forever. While on my way, this Japanese soldier comes up and speaks to me in Chinese. I was quite startled and surprised when he came up to me and spoke Chinese. He stated that he wanted to buy my sword.
Frankly, times have changed now. I knew that I should be keeping this important and significant sword from Xiao Wang to myself. However, my business was not going well nor was my current status great. I thought for a long time and replied back in Chinese. I decided to sell the sword. Another reason why I agreed to sell this significant sword is to understand the Japanese perspectives of this war. I was always interested in the global view of events. I have been hearing words from the perspectives of Canada, China, and Britain until now, and I wanted to hear from the Japanese.
It is true that I do and have disliked the Japanese ever since the event of Nanking back in 1938. Ever since, the people of Japanese have been my hateful enemies as they did the despicable. Furthermore, the Japanese have been successful in running over the regions in the Pacific. I heard the even the United States entered the war because of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Japanese really have grown strong, considering they have the guts to attack America... But recently I heard that the Japanese were beginning to weaken as the Allied forces are becoming successful in more and more battles. A source told me about this naval battle Midway and the event in Guadalcanal. The problem is there is no reliable source to read from since the Japanese do not allow any news that would weaken themselves to their colonies.
Back to the story with the Japanese soldier, he stated that he wanted to buy it, and considering my condition, I had to sell it. I needed the money and with the war in its highest point, I had to prepare for it. He continued our conversation and stated how the Japanese were being very successful in it imperialism. I was quite angry when I heard this statement for two reasons. One, he had no right to say that even if he was Japanese. After all, he is a part that destroyed my hometown. Two, I knew that the Japanese would not succeed in the ending. I had faith within the Allied Forced and if one looks at the events right now, the Japanese are losing the war.
August 16th, 1945
Yesterday was a major breakthrough within Hong Kong and for the entire world. Especially for Hong Kong, we were freed from Japanese rule. Furthermore, Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces, thus bringing an end to the war in the Pacific region. I was very happy. The entire region was in celebration. Despite everyone's homes were wrecked and the standards were not that high, we were just happy that we earned freedom.
Coincidentally, I received a letter from my little sister Gao Xiaolian today. I was very relieved to know how she was alive and did not get hurt from all the events. It has been just so long since I had contact with her. She told me how she was afraid and scared on the inside. I wondered if she knew about the recent victories from the Allied Forces. I hope she got the news that the Japanese surrendered today. Oh, how that would be amazing.
Frankly, I knew that the Japanese would surrender after I heard about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I was shocked how such a small bomb can cause massive destruction and casualties. I felt the force of the Americans. I wondered what would happen if that dropped on Hong Kong or Nanking. What would happen to my family or even myself? Furthermore, I read about the news that the Soviet will be entering the war. Maybe that is why Japan surrendered. That is what the explanation people here are saying, that the Soviet Union is much of a big force to go against Japan. I was quite surprised at the force of the Soviet Unions. They must be really strong if Japan got scared of them. I guess nobody can really win once the superpowers join up.
Moreover, I heard my friends talk about the war crimes the Japanese have done. I heard about what they did to the Koreans up North. When I heard about them, I was truly disgusted. I started to hate the Japanese more because of their violent doings. I wonder if Japan is going to move on without having that checked on. Last time I heard, Germany was treated like trash after they lost in World War I. I wonder if the same will happen to the Japanese in this war since they got defeated. Anyways, I hope my future looks better as my hometown and current town are all free from colonization. I guess there is still hope within the world!